2130 Castilian Drive

A polished gem in Outpost Estates

Mr. Hollywood, Charles E. Toberman, envisioned Outpost Estates to be a “jewel in the hills." The opulence of his dream prevails in the modern design of 2130 Castilian Drive.

Outpost Estates was established as one of Hollywood’s first luxurious residential neighborhoods.

Now an affluent area rising upwards from the Hollywood foothills, the oldest buildings on the land actually date as far back as 1853, when Don Tomas Urquidez built Hollywood’s first adobe in the middle of a sycamore grove near what is now Outpost Drive and Hillside Avenue.

Courtesy: Hollywood, 1900-1950, in Vintage Postcards

Urquidez’s three-room adobe and the land, a former Indian burial ground, was the original birthplace of Hollywood as a performers’ town, where, more than 140 years ago, locals annually staged Los Pastores, or The Shepherds, a Mexican Nativity play.

One of the now long-gone sycamore trees played a role in history here, too — from its branches, at least 13 alleged horse thieves and bandits were hanged in acts of rough justice, according to Los Angeles Times archives.

General Harrison Gray Otis

The story of Outpost Estates actually begins with Gen. Harrison Gray Otis, a veteran of the Civil and Spanish-American wars and the first publisher of the Los Angeles Times, who bought the otherwise undeveloped property and referred to the adobe as his retreat — the Outpost.

Otis often boasted that the adobe was where the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed between Lt. Col. John C. Fremont and Gen. Andres Pico in 1847, ending hostilities in California between Mexico and the United States, and leading the way to California statehood. But in 1917, a few weeks before Otis died, The Times printed a correction to many earlier stories that had made that claim, saying the statement was not “strictly accurate historically.” – Hidden Hollywood Sign Uncovers History LATimes February 17. 2008

Charles Toberman acquired the land in 1924 and, and developed Outpost Estates to strict architectural standards: plans had to be pre-approved by an architectural committee and homes were to be Spanish, Mediterranean or California modern, have red tile roofs (genuine kiln tile and hipped, not flat) and plenty of patios. Rigid building restrictions required plaster wall construction for enduring strength and earthquake resistance.

Toberman also saw that modern infrastructure was innovated in Outpost Estates: “modern California-centric planning. Roads of white concrete, lined with ornamental street lights, curved to accommodate existing trees. An on-site greenhouse crew planted more flora and fauna. The development was one of the first in the country with all-underground utilities, preserving the pristine views.” – Outpostestates.com

Today, some 450 homes make up the enclave. Most of the original houses have been preserved, and Lower Outpost today looks much like it did in the 1920s — a paradise of opulent homes, courtyards and splashing fountains, elaborate tile work and beamed ceilings.

It was his son, real estate developer and builder Homer Toberman who carried on the elder Toberman’s vision and constructed a number of homes in the Outpost area following WWII.

If Outpost Estates was to become Toberman’s “Jewel in the Hills,” then 2130 Castilian is a polished multi-facted gem, given its lofty location amid the natural landscape, with broad views of the lands below.

True to architectural standards, 2130 Castilian’s Gehry-esque bends, curves, and terraces encourage you to step back and to be inspired by the view and surroundings.

Talk about creative atmosphere, The open kitchen dining area has top of the line appliances-Viking, Thermador, and LG to be specific.

The adjacent lounging area is perfect to enjoy a glass of wine while the dough is proofing.

Banks of windows are set gallery height to display the Hollywood hills. The entertainment/family room has a wet bar, tree-top views, and plenty of wall space for art.

In this showcase of modernism there is no end to the space to tuck oneself away and entertain blue sky ideas.

The top floor master bedroom has towering presence with hideaway doors to the private al fresco retreats.

A modern feature quintessential to California lifestyle is a home that flows to the outdoors. In this regard, 2130 Castilian has instances of brilliance that capture the imagination.

With 4000 square feet of space this beautiful home offers maximum interior privacy with bedrooms placed throughout the various floors.

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